Costa Cruises Names Design Team for its Newest Ships

In a move that hints at a more upscale look for their newest ships, Costa Cruises has selected four leading design firms to create the interiors of the two new 180,000-ton ships scheduled for delivery in 2019 and 2021. While Adam D. Tihany of Tihany Design will serve as overall creative director, Jeffrey Beers International, Dordoni Architetti, Partner Ship Design and Rockwell Group were chosen to create a state-of-the-art interior design for the ground-breaking "green" ships. Reflecting comments and suggestions from Costa guests the ships' layout will provide a more efficient use of interior spaces and create an enhanced onboard experience.

"We are fortunate to bring together such distinguished professionals for our next-generation ship," said Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. "The 'Italy's Finest' concept represents the roots and the identity of Costa Cruises. It deals with the best things that our country has to offer: passion, quality, hospitality and, of course, style. We have created an unparalleled mix of different experiences mostly coming from an unconventional approach for the ship design. I am confident that our designers will be able to create a unique style for our new ships that will help us to offer our guests unforgettable and pleasant holiday experiences."

Each of the firms has experience in the international hospitality design sector for projects like hotels, restaurants and public spaces. The team has been charged with crafting an innovative design concept that will build on the history and tradition of the brand and integrate the "Italy's Finest" philosophy. Both ships will represent the best that Italy has to offer, a claim reinforced by the presence of an Italian footprint in the design team. As creative director, renowned designer Adam D. Tihany will oversee the development of the design and branding of both ships.

"The theme 'Italy's Finest' is an authentic celebration of Italian design, culture and spirit," said Tihany. "The team of outstanding architects and designers we invited to be a part of this project bring a level of innovation and passion that will no doubt capture the essence of the new Costa brand."

AWK, a sister company of Partner Ship Design, will serve as coordinating architect, working closely with the Meyer Turku Shipyard and the design teams. Partner Ship Design will head the design of two restaurants and several bars including the new "Bacari" bar as well as passenger sun decks and pool areas. Jeffrey Beers will design the casino along with a selection of restaurants and bars.

The new layout and interiors of all staterooms, as well as the corridors and staircases, will be developed by DordoniArchitetti, which will give each of these spaces a touch of innovative and sophisticated Italian design. The firm will also lead the design of the gym and the Japanese restaurant.

With its vast experience in the field of hospitality design, Rockwell Group will create distinctive designs for several areas on the ship. The firm's unique contribution to the project includes a three-story atrium that will feature a café, bars and a performance space; several restaurants and bars; a theater and nightclub; beach club and pool; a shore excursion office and gallery; and kids and teens facilities.

The new Costa ships will be the first in the cruise industry—along with the two newbuilds for AIDA Cruises, the German brand of Costa Group, and two ships recently commissioned by Carnival Cruise Line and one ship for P&O Cruises—to be powered at sea by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). All will be built at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland. The Costa and Carnival ships will exceed 180,000 gross tons with 5,200 lower berths. The AIDA and P&O ships will be 135,500 tons with a lower-berth capacity of 4,200.

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